The introduction of a research paper is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire paper and captures the reader’s attention. It should provide background information on the topic, highlight the significance of the research, and clearly state the paper’s main argument or purpose.
The introduction serves several key purposes:
When writing the introduction to a research paper, you aim to effectively guide the reader into the topic and generate interest. The introduction serves several key purposes:
- Introduce the topic
- Engage the reader:
- Provide background information
- Identify the research problem
- Present your approach
- State your objectives.
- Give a brief overview of the structure and content of your paper.
Your introduction’s exact structure and content may vary slightly depending on the type of research paper you are writing. For example, a paper presenting original empirical research may emphasize the methodology and research questions more. In contrast, a paper constructing an argument through engagement with sources may focus more on the theoretical framework and key debates in the field.
Regardless of the type of research paper, following these five steps will help you craft an effective and engaging introduction that sets the stage for a successful paper.
Step 1: Introduce your topic
The primary purpose of the introduction is to introduce your topic and capture the reader’s interest. This is typically achieved through a strong opening hook that demonstrates the relevance and importance of your research.
The hook is a compelling opening statement that grabs the reader’s attention and makes them want to learn more about your topic. This can be an interesting fact, a surprising statistic, a thought-provoking question, a powerful quote, or a brief anecdote highlighting your research’s significance.
Here are examples of effective hooks for different types of research papers:
Argumentative paper hook
The war on drugs: a costly and ineffective approach to public health?
Empirical paper hook
Several studies have suggested a link between air pollution and cognitive decline in older adults, but more research is needed to establish causality.
Remember, the hook should be clear, relevant, and engaging. It should guide the reader into your topic and set the stage for your research. While creativity can be valuable, clarity and relevance are essential elements of an effective hook.
Step 2: Describe the background
The background section of the introduction provides context for your research and helps the reader understand the current state of knowledge in your field. The content of this section varies depending on the type of paper you are writing.
Argumentative paper: Background information
In an argumentative paper, the background section presents general information about your topic, narrowing down from the broader context to the specific focus of your argument.
Example
Climate change has become one of the most pressing issues of our time, with rising global temperatures leading to more frequent and severe natural disasters, sea-level rise, and ecosystem disruption. While there is a scientific consensus on the reality of climate change, there remains significant debate about the most effective strategies for mitigating its impact and adapting to its consequences.
Empirical paper: Describing previous research
In an empirical paper, the background section provides a concise overview of the most relevant research that has already been conducted on your topic. This mini-literature review should summarize the current state of knowledge and identify gaps or limitations that your study aims to address.
Example
Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between parental involvement and academic achievement in elementary school students (Johnson et al., 2018; Smith & Lee, 2019). These studies have consistently found that higher levels of parental involvement are associated with better academic outcomes. However, little is known about the most effective parental involvement types or how these relationships may vary across different demographic groups.
Step 3: Establish your research problem
Explain the research problem your paper addresses and how it builds upon or departs from existing work in the field.
Argumentative paper: Emphasize importance
In an argumentative paper, you can directly state the problem you plan to tackle and explain what makes your perspective important.
Argumentative paper research problem example
While much attention has been paid to the role of governments and corporations in addressing climate change, the power of individual action is often overlooked. This paper argues that personal choices about diet, transportation, and energy use can have a significant cumulative impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Empirical paper: Relate to the literature
In an empirical paper, aim to connect your research problem to the existing literature by identifying gaps, limitations, or new contributions your work makes.
You can use phrases like these to make the connection:
- While previous studies have focused on X, little attention has been paid to Y.
- Although research has established the importance of X, the role of Y remains unclear.
- Building on the work of Smith et al. (2019), this study aims to extend our understanding of X by examining Y.
Empirical paper research problem example
Despite the growing body of research on the mental health benefits of exercise, relatively few studies have examined the specific mechanisms through which physical activity reduces symptoms of depression. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the role of neuroplasticity in mediating the antidepressant effects of aerobic exercise.
Step 4: Specify your objective(s)
This step involves stating the purpose of your research paper, whether to present a thesis statement in an argumentative paper or pose a research question (and potentially a hypothesis) in an empirical paper.
Argumentative paper: Thesis statement
In an argumentative paper, the thesis statement concisely expresses the main argument or position that the paper will support with evidence and reasoning. It should be presented clearly and directly in one or two sentences without delving into specific arguments.
Thesis statement examples
This paper asserts that the current educational system in the United States is failing to adequately prepare students for the challenges of the 21st-century job market and that a comprehensive reform focused on fostering critical thinking, creativity, and technological literacy is necessary.
The present article contends that the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, is crucial for mitigating climate change’s impacts and can create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve public health outcomes.
Empirical paper: Research question and hypothesis
In an empirical paper, the research question is the central question you aim to answer through your study. It should be presented clearly and directly, without extensive discussion.
Research question examples
This study aimed to investigate the following question: To what extent does parental involvement in homework affect the academic performance of middle school students?
We sought to answer the question: How does the use of social media impact the sleep patterns and duration of teenagers aged 13-18?
If your study involved testing hypotheses, they should be stated along with your research question. Hypotheses are typically presented in the past tense, as they would have been tested when you write your paper.
Hypothesis examples
It was hypothesized that a higher level of parental involvement in homework would be associated with better academic performance, as measured by grade point average (GPA) and standardized test scores.
We hypothesized that increased social media use would be correlated with shorter sleep duration and more frequent sleep disturbances among teenagers.
Step 5: Map out your paper
The final part of the introduction is often dedicated to a brief overview of the rest of the paper.
This is the place to summarize what the reader can expect from the paper regarding its structure. One or two sentences should usually be enough to describe the content of each chapter.
Empirical paper mapping examples
This paper discusses the relevant literature on body image and social media usage, outlines the study’s methods, analyzes the results, and discusses their implications.
The rest of this paper is organized as follows: Chapter 2 reviews the related literature on the topic, Chapter 3 describes the methodology and data collection process, Chapter 4 presents the findings of the data analysis, and Chapter 5 concludes with a discussion of the implications and potential directions for future research.
Argumentative paper mapping example
This paper begins by providing context and key terms for the argument before presenting the thesis statement. It then addresses the argument’s first premise and considers potential counterarguments. The paper concludes by exploring the implications of accepting the central argument.
Research paper introduction examples
Here are two research paper introduction examples, one for argumentative and one for empirical papers.
Argumentative paper introduction
The obesity epidemic in the United States has reached alarming proportions, with over 42% of adults now classified as obese (CDC, 2021). This public health crisis affects individual well-being and significantly burdens the healthcare system. Current approaches to addressing obesity, such as promoting healthy eating and physical activity, have proven insufficient to curb rising rates. It is time for policymakers to consider more drastic measures. This paper argues that the U.S. government should implement a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) as a means of reducing obesity rates. It first examines the link between SSB consumption and obesity, then discusses the potential effectiveness of a sugar tax, and finally addresses the arguments against such a policy.
Explanation
- The hook: The obesity epidemic in the United States has reached alarming proportions, with over 42% of adults now classified as obese (CDC, 2021).
- Background information: This public health crisis affects individual well-being and significantly burdens the healthcare system. Current approaches to addressing obesity, such as promoting healthy eating and physical activity, have proven insufficient to curb rising rates.
- Research problem: It is time for policymakers to consider more drastic measures.
- Thesis statement: This paper argues that the U.S. government should tax sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) to reduce obesity rates.
- Overview: It first examines the link between SSB consumption and obesity, then discusses the potential effectiveness of a sugar tax, and finally addresses the arguments against such a policy.
Empirical paper introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on mental health worldwide, with increased reports of anxiety, depression, and stress among individuals of all ages. While the long-term effects of the pandemic on mental health remain to be seen, there is growing concern about the potential for a “second pandemic” of mental health issues in the wake of COVID-19. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of mental health symptoms among college students during the pandemic and identify potential risk and protective factors. We conducted an online survey of 1,500 undergraduate students at a large public university in the United States. It was hypothesized that students who reported higher levels of social isolation and financial stress would exhibit more severe symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Explanation
- The hook: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on mental health worldwide, with increased reports of anxiety, depression, and stress among individuals of all ages.
- Background information: While the long-term effects of the pandemic on mental health remain to be seen, there is growing concern about the potential for a ‘second pandemic’ of mental health issues in the wake of COVID-19.
- Research problem: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of mental health symptoms among college students during the pandemic and identify potential risk and protective factors.
- Thesis statement: (Hypothesis) It was hypothesized that students who reported higher levels of social isolation and financial stress would exhibit more severe symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Overview: We conducted an online survey of 1,500 undergraduate students at a large public university in the United States.